Ars Longa, Vita Brevis

Over time and across cultures, art is a representation of self Ð'- either individual self or a more socially representational self. People create art for any number of reasons. Early cavemen created their archaic drawings to tell stories and represent history. Political painters create pieces to make statements about the world. Other artists use different forms of expressionism to expose their personal sentiments and release accrued emotions. Art long outlives its creators to lend advice or warnings to following generations.

Whether expressed as a sonnet, a painting, a musical composition or other more unconventional forms, artwork allows the audience a glimpse into the individual, in such a way that transcends language barriers. It conveys stories and captures abstract moments and ideas, carrying a far more profound message than vocalization ever could. By presenting their emotions in a visual manner, artists are exposed to the world, their flaws, weaknesses and personal strengths, alike. Despite the vulnerability, however, people continue to create art. In my Communication Studies class we learned that a painting (as one specific example) embodies all four types of communication Ð'- interpersonal, intrapersonal, small group communication and mass communication. It is a way of connecting with yourself, it is a way of connecting with someone else, It can be shared at a small scale, on personal display, or it can be disclosed on a large scale as in a museum.

Art is the most versatile and expressive form of communication. While the famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach spoke only German, people all over the world are able to enjoy his music. Although the painter, Claude Monet was a Frenchman, his colors and expressionism speak, wordlessly, across cultures. On the same token, more alternative artists, using different mediums also speak the same universal language. For example, Mohammad Ali's unconventional grace is a different form of art and gives him a different type of vulnerability but his boxing is still an artistic expressional and emotional outlet. Similarly, the style of Merce Cunningham's Dance Company defies any norm ever before set for a ballet, but with grace and fluidity his performers send an equally powerful message, as do those of Peter Llyich Tchaikovsky's traditional ballet, The Nutcracker. Art, like verbal languages, comes in so many different styles, but unlike verbal communication, artistic communication is far more powerful in conveying emotions and sending message, whether personal, political or simply artistic.

An artists is anyone who has something to say about their world. Although visually exposing your personal opinions or thoughts is an extremely daunting action, many people choose to ignore this to make comments on society or humanity. Art is not only visually or auditorally pleasing, but is also a reflection of society and humanity. Pablo Picasso's Guernica, for instance, is perhaps one of the most powerful antiwar statements in artistic history. Though brushstrokes and color shades, an artist is able to make statements about the world without ever vocally stating an opinion.

People write poems, draw pictures, dance and sing when needing an emotional outlet. Many construct masterpieces and other simply create. Museum exhibits or textbook definitions do not bind Art. An artist can be anyone from Beethoven to Spielberg, Bottecelli to Frank Lloyd Wright, Albert Einstein back to David Hockney and Doethea Lange to Edgar Allan Poe. Through different mediums and with different intentions, each of these artists puts themselves, their raw emotions and individual beliefs on the frontline. Art, as I have learned in this class, cannot be pigeonholed into a single category, for the creative mind extends far beyond conventional boundaries. The work of Peggy Weil and her BOT, "Mr. Mind," out steps boundaries of "artistic normalcy" but has a comparable message (with an original twist) and a similar exposure